Day hikes in the Silverton Co. area

Distance: it will vary each day but will likely not exceed 7 miles
Elevation change: vary each day but will likely not exceed 2,000 feet
Trail and off-trail
Slow enjoyable pace

This is a six-day outing where folks can camp or stay in Silverton. The Silverton area offers spectacular scenery with an abundance of peaks over 13,000 feet and numerous tundra lakes. Early September is a perfect time to visit as the summer crowds are gone, and the monsoon season is coming to an end. This is one of my favorite areas to hike which I try to visit every year.

For one day we will be hiking to Highland Mary Lakes (6 lakes), which are over 12,000 feet, where we hike up to a ridge line to view the spectacular Grenadier Range (photo). We will take a full day hike to Porphyry Basin, another high elevation plateau bordered by rugged mountains. We will see waterfalls, lakes, and mines. I'm thinking about the other two day hikes, there are plenty of good options. I will be taking some hikes in July in the area to firm up plans.

If we need a break from hiking or the weather turns bad, we can drive the spectacular Alpine Loop 4wd route which will take us over some high mountain passes with 360-degree views of endless mountains. This route has sections that are rocky, narrow, with hair-raising drop-offs.

Everyone will be placed on a waitlist and those with 4wd high clearance vehicles will be given priority.

Please provide your driver $70. If we do the Alpine Loop, provide an extra $15.